Abdullah seeks ex-governor's explanation on closeness with seer

Jammu, Nov 15 (UNI) National Conference Chief Ministerial candidate Farooq Abdullah today sought explanation from former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt gen S K Sinha (retd) for his alleged closeness with the malegaon blast accused Seer Dayanand Pandey, who was arrested from Kanpur.

According to reports, Lt Gen Sinha had hosted the accused seer and held meetings with him twice in a famous temple in Kashmir.

Talking to UNI at his residence, Dr Abdullah described the involvement of Army officers and seers in malegaon blast as ''dangerous (for country)'' and said, '' Lt Gen Sinha should explain his reported closeness with Dayanand Pandey.'' The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister expressed concern over the revelation about explosives recovered from militants in Kashmir being used for terrorist activities outside in the country.

Dr Abdullah appealed to the Army to conduct its own inquiry in the malegaon blast case and award explanatory punishment to the soldiers involved in such activities.

He also criticised the BJP for banking on Hindu agenda for mere political gains. ''BJP kept raising 'Ram Janambhumi issue', but never spoke a single word when came to power at the Centre'', Dr Abdullah said.

UNI VJ JT VC1255